I thought I told the WORLD that I had a weight loss goal this month, WELLLLLL I guess McDonald's could care less. They put my favorite menu item the "McNuggets" on sale 6 for $1. Since I saw the sign I've been at McDonald's ERR-DAY!

Pray for my deliverance,
Foxxy

Ya girl Foxxy HERE ready to share my August challenges - YES Plural LOL! Writing a fitness plan for myself each month really helps me to visualize what I want to accomplish or better yet CONQUER for the month. Just to update you on last month I did pretty good with all my challenges:
- Run/walk 3 miles 5 days a week - YES 95% of the month
- Refrain from eating carbs - I did great during the week but on the weekends not so much. I had some cookies, bread, cakes, and donuts LOL.....NOT really funny :(
- 3x a week Crossfit workout - YES me and my homegirl Jocelyn got it in!
- I completed the 30 day squat challenge - 3225 squats in one month - SERIOUSLY!
- I didn't make it to zumba :(
- I started training with the free trainer at Planet Fitness. He is awesome and he knows his stuff.

August Workout Plan (Time to GO HARD)
- Weight loss goal this month - extended to Sept 9th (Followup dr appt) is 21lbs - Current weight 221
- 7-8 hours of sleep nightly - bed by 11pm
- Workout 5 days per week (off day thursday)
- Circuit training with Sean of Planet Fitness - Monday & Friday mornings and Tuesday & Wednesday evenings.
- Run/Walk 3 miles 4 days per week *1 day out the week take it outside to the downtown bridges of Jacksonville*
- 24 day Abs Challenge - Begins August 5th
- Attend 2 hr Zumba August 17th

August Food Plan
- Limited sugar -berries to add to salads and greek yogurt
- No bread or pasta
- Focus on clean eating (eating tons of veggies= kale, spinach are my favs)
 - Meats - Mostly chicken and turkey and fish to aid in raising my Vitamin D levels
- 80oz of water daily (64oz by 5pm and 16oz by 10pm)
- Eat dinner by 7:30pm nightly 
- Reference website Clean & Delicious by Dani (cleananddelicious.com) - Great source for clean eating recipes and a place to save them for later use.

This month is more than a fitness challenge but a finance challenge as well. In July I enrolled in the Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University being held at my church. I'm loving the class and I'm learning so much to help me on my path to financial freedom "God's way". Using the tools I learned in July,, in August I'm embarking on a new "Foxxy" who is more structured financially. Learning to accept that my wants might have to wait, but in due time I can have it all. My goal this month is to make myself aware of my habits and learn how to better manage my funds when it comes spending on clothing and food. Using Dave's envelope system I will stop using credit and debits cards, focusing on cash and how using cash will aid to change my habits.

Foxxy's up for the challenge......Are you? Share any fitness and financial success you have this month. We are in this adventure together :)

Foxxy

Here's the most straight to the point definition of clean eating I could find........

Over the weekend I stopped in on of my favorite stores World Market. I ADORE this store because its chock full of awesome finds from all over the world! I'm sure to leave the store with something I didn't come for but so happy I found; Whether its jewelry, food, bath products, wine, or decor.

This trip I was focused on finding some new spices & seasoning to add a kick to my vegetables......Just trying to make it through the ending stretch of my January "No Meat" challenge. Instead of finding spices & seasonings, I stumbled upon a display of soup mixes by the brand Market Classic. They carry a wide variety of flavors to choose from and they are currently on sale for $2.99. 1 package of soup mix makes approxmiately 8 cups......that's a week worth of meals for $3 (reg priced $3.99)!

To create your savory southern soup, you will need:
1 package of soup mix
6.5 cups of low sodium chicken broth
1 cup half & half
A blender with the ability to puree
Cooking Time: approx 25 minutes

Nurtrition Information: 1 serving = 1/4 cup prepared 130 calories, 0 fat, 240mg sodium, 14g carb, 2g dietary fiber, 4g sugar, 1g protein

If you're looking for something new for your taste buds to savor, this is it! It gives you the taste of a sweet potato~~~~A little bit of sweetness, infused with savory spices. It challenges your palate a bit to taste all the seasoning and be delighted in the process. On the packaging its recommended to top with maple syrup or parmesan cheese.

Enjoy the southern flavor,
Foxxy

I headed to the World Market store this weekend to see if I could find something new to satisfy my taste buds. My "No Meat" January challenge is going smooth, but I love trying new things and World Market never disappoints. From candy, spices, wine, teas, chips, and even accessories; The World Market always has something new for me to try.

Walking the aisles I spotted the Market Classic Soup Mix. The display had so many flavors it was hard to decide on what to try first. I decided to purchase a few ....Southern Sweet Potato and Spicy Jambalaya. February 1st I'll be headed back to the store for a few more! They're on sale right now for $2.99 and serves 8. Now that's a great deal!

The 'No Meat' challenge is a piece of cake! LOL Don't get me wrong, I miss my beloved chicken but I'm just counting down to February 1st. Although I can eat seafood, eating meatless alternatives have been my lifesaver during this time. Eating meat everyday of my life it's hard to just stop, so being able to add the meatless options (chicken and burger) to my choice of veggies always makes the perfect meal.

Here are a few meals and options that have gotten me through these first 15 days. Only 16 more to go :)

For me 2013 is all about fitness and body transformation. I want to use this year to challenge myself. I'm six days late but I had to tell you guys about my January challenge. I've decided along with a friend to commit to no meat for the entire month. We decided to cut out all beef, pork, and my all time favorite CHICKEN! That means only veggies and seafood. As far as my meat intake, I'm relying more on meatless products by brands Boca and Morningstar Farms.

This is my second time on the challenge and I'm not worried one bit about my success. I'm a veggie lover and willing to try any vegetable once. So I see January as a month of discovery. I started the month with a homemade vegetable soup that's filling and a great combination to a salad or sandwich.

Here's the recipe: Start with 8 cups of water, then add
1 can vegetable stock (14oz)                                1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 can tomato puree (29oz)                                   2 tablespoons onion powder
1 can tomato paste (6oz) 8 cups of water          4 dashes ground black pepper
1 large carrot, medium dice                                6 handfuls of veggie pasta (rotini, fusilli, ziti, noodles)
2 stalks celery, medium dice                               2 red-skin potatoes, medium dice
1 large eggplant, sliced and cut in fourths        2 yellow squash, medium dice
2 zucchini, medium dice                                      1 can black beans
1 can whole corn                                                   Add seasoning of your choice to taste

Combine all ingredients in a crock pot on high heat for 4-6 hours, depending on the texture desired.

I've taken the next step and committed to TOTALLY no meat for the month of March. If you're interested, sign the pledge with me here:
http://we already ww.nomeatmarch.com/

Challenge yourself,
Foxxy